Build a Boat! Row a Boat!
Cinque Ports Rowing is a community project dedicated to building and rowing boats. Since 2020, people aged 12 to 80+ have built beautiful wooden rowing boats in our workshop at the head of Faversham Creek. So far, we have constructed four St Ayles skiffs, all of which are rowed regularly on our creek and other waterways, including the River Thames and the Netherlands.
The St Ayles Skiff is a 22 foot (7m) long rowing boat, based on a traditional sea-going boat called a Fair Isle Skiff. Iain Oughtred, a famous boat designer, adapted this boat to use modern construction techniques so that it could be built by amateurs with basic woodworking skills.
Building our Boats!
Boat building takes place in our workshop in The Purifier Building (next to Home Bargains). Everyone, aged 12+, is welcome to join the tutor-led sessions, for which there is a small charge for participation.
Rowing our Boats!
Our three St Ayles skiffs are called Findlay Macdonald, Lena Reekie and Minerva. Another skiff is due to be launched soon, bringing our fleet back up to four. We usually keep them safely on our floating pontoons, near Faversham Bridge, ready to be launched when the tide comes in. We also own road trailers so that we can transport our skiffs to other waterways.
Rowing takes place, winds and tides permitting, on alternate weekends and some weekdays. All ages from 16 years are welcome. Under 18’s will need parental/guardian permission and there is no upper age limit!
Positive Impact on Individuals and the Community
Some of us build the boats, some of us row the boats, while others of us build and row the boats! But whatever we choose to do, everyone benefits and feels part of this fantastic community project! You’re welcome to join us!
Updated 29 June 2026